With Tommy La Stella possibly forcing the Chicago Cubs to look for a waiver deal, we wanted to list out a couple of names that the Cubs could look towards. While waiver deals are harder to complete because a player must “clear waivers” without another team placing a claim on him, it adds another layer to the difficult situation that the Cubs are in.
According to Cubs general manager Jed Hoyer, the team will be looking for a veteran lefty bat to come off the bench. This bat would most probably take the place of Tommy La Stella, who was placed on the Temporary Inactive List. While waiver deals are often times more difficult to complete, here are a couple names that you could see on the Northside before the end of August.
Brian McCann
McCann has officially cleared waivers, so any team can enter trade conversations with the New York Yankees for Brian’s services. While one would assume the Cubs and Yankees are finished trading this season, McCann offers a solid veteran bat who could come in and play several positions as well. While he has traditionally been a starter, perhaps the reduced playing time will allow for him to be more productive.
Why it could happen… he not only presents the Cubs with a veteran left-handed bat, he adds some much needed power from the left side too. He’s hit more than 20 HRs in each of the last eight seasons, and drove in more than 90 runs in 2015. This is production that could even help make up for the lack of production from Jason Heyward.
Why it won’t happen… The Cubs already have three catchers on their roster, and they aren’t going to give up more prospects to carry another. This is especially true with Willson Contreras coming on and looking like the next great catcher in the game, and might steal the majority of starts away from Miguel Montero. While McCann has spent time at other positions, he’s not exactly a utility guy or someone you want out there in left field.
Carlos Gonzalez
CarGo has been a hot name for a while, and one rumored to be on the Cubs radar. While there have been no deals, or reported “advanced conversations” between the two teams, he would be a very good addition to the roster. The only thing is, his .321/.371/.565 with 23 HR and 76 RBI isn’t exactly a guy you hide in the bench. This would force either Jorge Soler, Matt Szczur, or Chris Coghlan even further down the totem pole – or out.
Why it could happen… Carlos had been in the Cubs radar for the last two seasons, and if – this is a huge if – he could slip to the Cubs on the waiver wire, he would provide the Cubs with yet another great bat. While he’s been an example of a Coor’s Field player, he’s slashed pretty well in Wrigley as well, .286/.337/.662.
Why it won’t happen… This is probably the same reason as why he isn’t already a Cub – he’ll cost the team a couple of high value prospects. This wouldn’t be so bad if you could guarantee that the Cubs (or any team for that matter) would get the player with a near .900 OPS and not the guy that appears to be fairly normal away from Coor’s. How could the Cubs justify trading away someone like Albert Almora and maybe a Jeimer Candelario if they can’t assume equal production from CarGo? Not to mention, Gonzalez is signed through the end of 2017, making $20 M next season.
Seth Smith
Seth might have gone under your radar, but probably just because he plays in Seattle and not on a team that’s featured around baseball more. Just because he’s been under the radar doesn’t mean he isn’t worth the look. Seth is slashing .261/.358/.419 this season, and has shown a decent amount of power – especially for playing in spacious Safeco Field.
Why it could happen… It wouldn’t take a ton to get Seth, who is signed through the end of 2016 with a 2017 team option. This bodes well for the Cubs to look at Seth as a pure rental without the long term commitment. Plus, Seth’s .346 lifetime OBP fits in well with the Cubs offensive philosophy.
Why it won’t happen… If the Cubs are going to add a lefty bat, they will most likely look at an infielder as opposed to an outfielder – unless that can be a starter or is a centerfielder. Since Seth wouldn’t be any of those things, it is hard to understand why the Cubs would just trade for an upgraded version of Chris Coghlan, while keeping Chris on the roster.
John Jaso
While it is difficult for teams within the division to trade among each other, it might be especially true for the Cubs and Pittsburgh Pirates to agree on a deal. Jaso had been around Joe Maddon in the past, playing for him in Tampa Bay and like a lot of Maddon’s pet guys, Jaso’s versatility was a strong reason Joe thought highly of him.
Why it could happen… While the Pirates season is hanging by a thread, sitting fourth in the NL Wild Card Standings, it just might be time for them to focus on building for the long term as both the Cubs and St Louis Cardinals should sustain their success for several years to come. This isn’t to say that the Pirates won’t be competitive for several years, but once their current roster begins looking for new paper they might be out of luck. The Cubs could offer some help by taking Jaso off their hands for the remainder of 2016 for a young prospect.
Why it won’t happen… The Pirates aren’t in the business of helping the Cubs do anything. After they sent Aramis Ramirez and Kenny Lofton (then later Randall Simon) to the Cubs in 2003, the two teams have fought more than they’ve dealt with each other. While the Cubs might call, and the Pirates might listen, ultimately there will not be an agreeable deal between the two sides.
Coco Crisp
Coco might not be the same player he was in 2005, but he is still a valued bat in this league. He can be that veteran lefty off the bench, and also can spell Dexter Fowler in center – keeping him fresh down the stretch run. While he isn’t as fast as he once was, Wrigley doesn’t necessarily need a guy that can go get it for a centerfielder to be effective.
Why it could happen… Coco wouldn’t take a lot to get done, and with the Oakland A’s wrapping their season up, you know Billy Beane is just waiting for that next phone call. Additionally, Coco’s contact is over at the end of this season seeing how there is little chance his option will vest (needs 130 games or 550 plate appearances). Coco could also be energized by the chance to play for one more championship before his career is up.
Why it won’t happen… Crisp has the right to veto any deal made, and while he could have the chance to play for a ring in Chicago, he might be just fine playing out the string in Oakland. While Coco hasn’t made any official announcements – and maybe I’m putting him out to pasture sooner than he’s ready to – he’s earned the ability to say no to any deal. Additionally, it almost feels like Beane is looking for a way to get one over in his buddy Theo Epstein. Since the Cubs fleeced the A’s in the deal the brought them Addison Russell we’ve heard potential deals between the two teams, but they usually center around the Cubs sending over their top echelon prospects (not counting the Chris Coghlan trade).
While there are a couple more options, like Nick Markakis or Melky Cabrera, these seem to have additional interest or probability to happen. While Tommy La Stella could report to Iowa tomorrow and all of this goes out the window, this is part of the reaction the Cubs brass must have when they literally have a deserter on their hands.
Are there any names you think the Cubs should target? Anyone they should stay away from? Let us know in the comments.
